This 12 days trip to Jordan is ideal to truly appreciate what the country has to offer. It will give you enough time to take in its world famous monuments, such as Petra and Jerash, and explore the less well-known historic and archaeological treasures. This itinerary includes visits to several of these sites as well as offering the opportunity to see the beautiful desert landscape of Wadi Rum and snorkel in the Red Sea, ensuring enough time to relax and unwind as well as sightseeing.

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Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

After breakfast we depart for a visit to Iraq El Amir. Set in the desert to the east of Amman is the much-famed Desert Loop, consisting of numerous palaces and minor forts dating back to the Omayyad period 661 AD to 750 AD. Our first stop is Qasr al- Hallabat. Originally Roman, this castle was rebuilt during the Umayyad period when it was elaborately decorated in mosaics, carved stucco and fresco paintings, thus transforming the castle into a palatial residence. There are about 150 inscriptions within the castle, mostly in Greek. The vast majority of these inscribed stones, which were reused as building material, belong to an edict issued by the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius (491-518 AD). A few kilometres down the road is Hammam as-Sarakh, a bathhouse and hunting lodge. The buildings have been almost completely restored, and you can see the channels that were used for hot water and steam. One hundred kms east of Amman, the oasis town of Azraq has a large castle built from black basalt, which was Lawrence of Arabia's headquarters during the Arab Revolt. Heading back towards Amman, the Qasr El Kharraneh and Qusayr 'Amra are the best preserved of the desert castles, Qusair Amra is noted for its extensive fresco paintings which cover virtually all the interior walls. The paintings include themes such as hunting, dancing, musicians, bathing scenes, cupids, and personifications of history, philosophy and poetry. We drive back to the hotel in Amman.Comfortable Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 3

Today we begin early as we have a long day heading north. We visit Irbid, which hosts an interesting museum. The most remarkable artefacts are the Ain Ghazal statues dated to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period; between 7500-5500 BC. In addition the museum contains a number of artefacts from the later periods. Umm Qais, in the north of the country has fantastic views of The Sea of Galilee and was once a centre of culture and arts. As one of the cities of the Decapolis, it was a centre for arts and culture and with its amazing setting it is an enchanting place. Later we proceed to Pella, once an important city in Roman times; most of the remains actually date back to the Byzantine period. Overnight in Jerash.Standard Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 4

After breakfast we visit the ancient 'Gerasa'. In Roman times this was one of the ten wealthy, self-governing cities of the Decapolis, and was famous throughout the Roman empire for the luxury of its lifestyle. Buried for centuries under blown sand, Jerash is the only city of the Decapolis to have survived to any extent, with an outstanding forum, colonnaded main streets with the drains still intact, two theatres and a most impressive temple of Zeus. Not too far away is the only Arabic castle in Jordan, Ajloun. It is perched on a hilltop and has fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. Originally constructed in 1184 AD, it was destroyed and rebuilt over the centuries following numerous wars and earthquakes. Drive for overnight at Dead Sea.Standard Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast
Dinner

Day 5

We start the day by visiting Bethany beyond the Jordan, the site where Jesus Christ was baptised by John the Baptist marking the beginning of the new era of Christianity. We then take the road south from Amman along the 5,000-year-old Kings' Highway, be prepared for one of the most memorable journeys in the Holy Land, passing through a number of ancient sites. The first town we visit is Madaba, 'The City of Mosaics '. The city, best known for its spectacular Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics, is home to the famous 6th century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. With two million pieces of coloured stone, the map depicts hills and valleys, villages and towns as far as the Nile Delta. Nearby is the biblical Mount Nebo where Moses was shown The Promised Land before his death and also has fantastically preserved mosaics. After a good look round we head south to the Dead Sea in time for a 'float' in the thick saline waters.Standard Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast
Dinner

Day 6

Leaving the Dead Sea behind us we drive through the deep gorge of Wadi al Mujib. This massive canyon is impressive and is now a huge nature reserve, covering 212sq km. We arrive at Al Karak and Al Shawbak, two castles that played an important role in the Crusades. Built in mediaeval times Al Karak is the larger of the two castles, its well-preserved fortifications towering over the town offer incredible views. Al Shawbak, though not as well preserved is equally as notable. Late afternoon we drive on to Petra. Overnight Petra.Standard Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Days 7-8

We have two full days to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site Petra. The 'rose-red city, half as old as time' was hidden for centuries until the Swiss explorer Burckhardt made his great discovery in 1812. Petra was founded by the Nabateans, an Arab tribe that arrived here in the sixth century BC. Building began in the third century BC and continued through the Roman period, financed by taxes levied on the desert caravans. Two features of Petra are unique: firstly, it is a city made defensible as it is built along a series of chasms, rather than on a hilltop; and secondly, it is built directly into the rock - beautiful red and yellow sandstone carved into impressive facades which glow in the brilliant sunlight.

After walking down the Siq, the narrow chasm providing the only entrance to the site, we come out directly in front of El Khazneh, the Treasury. Continuing to the centre of the city, we pass the houses and tombs of the rich citizens, and the amphitheatre. A long walk beyond the centre and up a series of steps brings us to El Deir, the Monastery, with its superb facade topped by a huge urn. On one of the days we take a walk to the high places where few others visit. This can be quite arduous and is not recommended for those who are unsure of their fitness. However, those who do make it to the top will be rewarded with wonderful views.Standard Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 9

Explore Little Petra with its well preserved ruins which are hidden away in the mountains, before continuing to the Wadi Rum desert, a stretch of beautiful sand and rock desert. This is where Lawrence of Arabia and Prince Faisal assembled the Arab tribes for the attack on Aqaba in the First World War, and also where sections of the film of 'Lawrence of Arabia' were shot. We take a four-wheel drive vehicle far into the area for an exciting desert adventure before arriving to our permanent camp and destination for the night.Full-service Camping

Meals included:
Breakfast
Dinner

Day 10

We wake amidst the dramatic desert scenery and then make our way on to Aqaba, Jordan's port and holiday resort, famous for beautiful coral reefs. There is time to relax on a local beach with transport and entrance included. You can add to the experience with optional snorkelling and lunch packages which your leader will explain. Please note there is a cost for these extras. There are several good restaurants in Aqaba for our evening meal together.
Standard Hotel

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 11

After breakfast, drive from Aqaba to Amman to explore the ancient city. Amman has served as the modern and ancient capital of Jordan. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a 1994 excavation uncovering homes and towers believed to have been built during the Stone Age, circa 7000 BC. The earliest written records refer to the city as Rabbath Ammon, the capital of the Ammonites in the 12th century BC. Later the city was named Philadelphia under the reign of Ptolemy Philadelphus 283-246BC. As one of the cities of the Decapolis under King Herod in 30BC major building works were conducted. The 6000 seated Roman Theatre on the citadel is testimony of Roman architecture, although extensively restored it remains a classic example. Also on Citadel Hill, just northwest of the Temple of Hercules, is the Jordan Archaeological Museum. This small museum houses an excellent collection of antiquities ranging from prehistoric times to the 15th century; see the Dead Sea Scrolls, a copy of the Mesha Stele and four rare Iron Age sarcophagi.Comfortable Hotel

Essential Info

Visas

Jordan

Visas are required by most nationalities, including British, and can be obtained at the border or Amman airport. At time of print, visa fees (usually 40JOD) have been waived for all nationalities travelling to Jordan with a tour operator and spending a minimum of 2 nights in country. Our airport representative will meet and assist you with obtaining the free visa on arrival in Jordan at Customs & Immigration. He will be carrying an Exodus sign.

Vaccinations

Jordan

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts and 3 evening meals are included on this trip.

No other meals are included. Whilst staying in hotels we usually eat in local restaurants and on some occasions the leader will take those who wish, to a restaurant for a 'mezze' style meal. These allow fast service and a good quality of food for the group and usually cost 10-15 JOD pp. Allow about £250-300 (approx. US$320-480) to cover these meals. If you are vegetarian, please note that main meals are limited in choice; however mezze is almost always available in restaurants and is a good, filling choice for vegetarians. There is also a good choice of seafood available when at the Red Sea.

Weather

Spring and autumn are very popular as it is cooler, around 24ºC in the day and down to 8ºC at night. Rain is more likely, but protracted bad weather is unlikely. It is hot and dry, but not unpleasant, throughout Jordan in the summer. Daytime maximum temperatures are around 32ºC in Amman. Aqaba is very hot when the air is still, but there is usually a breeze. Rain is unusual but possible. In winter it is generally crisp and warm in the day - approximately 10-15ºC - but temperatures can approach freezing or below at night in the desert. There are even occasions when it snows in Jordan during winter.

Is this trip for you?

Although this is a cultural trip some days can be long and tiring, such as the two days in Petra. These are both long days. To walk up to the sacrificial high places, you should have a reasonable level of fitness. Your leader will be able to offer you further advice about the walk. It can be quite an arduous day but it is well worth the effort. Please also consider that, although trips are planned outside of the summer heat, days in the desert can be very hot.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Accommodation

Hotels & Camp

We spend 4 nights in a 4-star hotel in Amman, 1 night in a basic hotel in Jerash, 1 night in a 5-star hotel at the Dead sea, 3 nights in a standard hotel in Petra and 1 night in a 4-star hotel in Aqaba. Throughout the tour the hotels have en suite facilities and air conditioning, except in Jerash where we spend the night in a more basic hotel.

Some hotels have more facilities than others however it is always good to keep in mind that the star rating in Jordan is quite different to what you may expect at home. Sometimes we use less centrally located hotels in the interests of comfort. Accommodation in Petra is limited and demands on the infrastructure are high; this creates occasional problems with hot water and general plumbing for all hotels. In general, the hotels in Petra are of an older style and more basic in comparison with the rest of Jordan.

At the Wadi Rum camp there are traditional style tents equipped with basic beds, sheets and blankets. There are plumbed toilets and basins, and simple shower facilities with (limited) hot water.

Single supplements are available for this trip however cannot be guaranteed at Wadi Rum. Please enquire at the time of booking for details and up-to-date prices.

Reviews

Hidden Treasures of Jordon

The trip was as described in the trip notes - no surprises. One hotel was poor but understand it was a last minute replacement for the planned hotel. Thee were 16 in the party but the mini bus was not big enough for the passengers and their luggage. We had a vote and kept the vehicle but uses another van for the luggage. We were a bit rushed on occasions because winter hours are shorter at the sites, on two days we could easily have started earlier.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The visit to Gadaremes and understanding more about the miracle when Jesus transferred Demons into pigs.

What did you think of your group leader?

Ibtahim was good. He had enthusiasm for is country. He was helpful.
The bus driver was a steady and mature driver. Pleased that he was with the vehicle we used.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Travel light, read the trip notes before departure.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The first and last hotel we used in Amman was not so good. During the first visit we had a problem with the shower collapsing and we had a clean but generally well used room. On the second visit we had a refurbished room which was altogether better. The breakfast was well bellow standard. My main criticism is that the staff seemed fed up and did not appear to have any enthusiasm for their jobs.
The second hotel at Jarash was not too good either but it was fine because the staff did their best to make us comfortable and the Breakfast was up to standard.
A problem with the bus was that it was a converted van with the engine in the passenger compartment. In future it would be worth considering a small purpose built bus with the engine under the floor.

Hidden Treasures of Jordon

The trip notes explained the trip so there were no surprises. We were a little rushed at time because of the shorter opening hours during winter.
The first and last hotel is Amman was poor. The breakfast were below standard and the room we had on the first visit had problems (the shower collapsed). The room we used on the last night had been refurbished. My principal criticism and the staff appeared to be going through the motions.
In contrast the second hotel was not brilliant but the staff worked hard to make us welcome.
There were 16 in the group and the bus was too small for all of us and luggage. An additional was hired form day 3 to transport the luggage whixh partly resolved th eproblem. The vehicle we had was a converted van so the engine was under a cover in th epassenger compartment with the inevitable noise when it worked hard. It would be more comfortable to use a 16 seater with the engine under the floor.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Jordan's time machine - from the Stone Age to Lawrence of Arabia in 12 days...

If you want to see an in depth showcase of Jordan's historical and archeological treasures in 12 days, then this holiday is exceptional value for money. Winter is an excellent time to visit because of the cooler weather, although the shorter daylight hours meant that some site visits - particularly Jerash - were just a little rushed. Expect to put up with long days of coach travel - it's worth it for the world class archaeology.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Hard to say, but one of the main reasons we chose this trip was because of the two days allocated to Petra, and this proved to have been absolutely right. Petra is vast, and tiring to explore - even in winter - so to get the most out of it, 2 days is essential. It is, of course quite superb. Ibrahim's pace in Petra allowed the group to see the highlights of Petra comfortably.
We also enjoyed the unique experience of floating in the Dead Sea whilst staying in the very comfortable Holiday Inn resort. It was also interesting to see at first hand the geographical relationship with Israel and to explore important Biblical sites.
I also particularly enjoyed seeing Jerash, a major Roman City.
Finally, I'd make a strong recommendation for the Jordanian Museum, which we saw on the last day. It houses some Dead Sea scrolls and the oldest figurines every found. It is particularly well laid out and in our view was a fitting end to an excellent trip.

What did you think of your group leader?

Ibrahim was an excellent ambassador for both Jordan and Exodus. We particularly liked his affable temperament and helpfulness. His organisational skills were good, and we enjoyed his restaurant recommendations. His historical knowledge was good without being overpowering - to get the most out of this trip it is highly desirable to have a good guide book to supplement the leader's knowledge, as he should not be regarded as an expert in the various civilisations that Jordan has hosted.
We found Jordanian people to be exceptionally pleasant, and you should not expect to be harassed in any way.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Keep hydrated and watch personal hygiene as it is easy to pick up a traveller tummy upset. Do some homework before you travel as the history of Jordan is complex and you will see many very different sites.
In winter, take warm clothing - there can be a significant windchill. It snowed in Petra while we were in Jordan. To get the most out of Petra you should be comfortable hiking for several miles, and the optional view points involve climbing hundreds of steps.
If you drink alcohol, it is better to take some duty free as it can be hard to find while travelling (also very expensive).

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We'd like to point out a small number of lowlights:
We have commented to Exodus that we had a dangerous transfer from the airport to the hotel in Amman, where the driver reversed half a mile along a busy motorway at night time, and also used his mobile phone while driving. Our (substituted) Amman hotel was of poor quality, with dirty rooms, poor service and an unappetising breakfast. Finally, we felt that a 16 seater minibus (with no space for day bags) is not really satisfactory for 16 adult passengers travelling long distances.
These are noteworthy but did not materially spoil our overall enjoyment, which was of course enhanced by our very genial group, who also deserve our thanks.

A terrific trip!

This trip is great! The varied itinerary explores all the major attractions of Jordan, its fascinating history and culture as well as the lovely landscape and, if course, its delicious food.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Discovering the delights of Petra - the High Places, Monastery and Treasury are just the tip of the iceberg. There's something special round every bend!
The ancient Roman city of Jerash was also a revelation.
Then there was the whole magical Wadi Rum experience, floating and mud bathing at the Dead Sea and snorkelling at the Red Sea.....

What did you think of your group leader?

Zuhair knew the history of his country inside out and in particular his guiding in Jerash and Petra particular was exceptional. He was able to use his contacts to gain access for the group to areas not generally open to the public and also pointed out and explained features we would most likely have missed for ourselves. On a more personal level though he didn't make much effort to socialise or to get to know the group as individuals.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The pace is generally quite relaxed / moderate - until you get to Petra! You'll need good walking shoes (boots are not needed) and plenty of stamina as well as sun hat, sun cream and sunglasses. There's very little shade to be found. The Petra by Night optional visit was atmospheric but poor value for money and underwhelming as you walk for over an hour for a 30 minute show at the end of what was already a physically demanding day.
The snorkelling equipment for hire at Aqaba was really good, certainly better than I've found anywhere else in my (limited) experience.
You may want to pack some Immodium and rehydration sachets as some in our group had "issues"!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

There's not much free time for independent exploration and at times the itinerary seems a bit rushed, eg at Jerash and the Citadel in Amman. Overall though this was a great trip with a great bunch of people and I'd highly recommend it.

An excellent adventure

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Petra was amazing and two days well spent.

What did you think of your group leader?

Eddie was great.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take toilet paper and imodium. You will need both. If you drink then take duty free with you. Drinking in Jordan is expensive and hard to find. Almost impossible during Ramadan.
Good walking shoes for Petra. Hat is essential.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The people of Jordan are friendly and pleasant. There is minimal retail hassle as compared with somewhere like Egypt.

An amazing experience in Jordan

A great trip with a full itinerary, a fascinating insight into Jordan.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Being able to spend two days in Petra and explore the site.

What did you think of your group leader?

Eddie was helpful charming and very kind. He ensured we had an enjoyable experience and was knowledgeable about his country. He was concerned to meet the needs of individuals as well as the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for a beautiful but extremely arid country. The itinerary is pretty full-on, theer is not a lot of downtime on this trip and most mornings are early starts, because there is so much to see and do.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The day after the night in the desert is very long - some of our group would have preferred a hotel upgrade to beach front hotel rather than a transfer to a beach resort (although the resort was lovely and quiet) with hotel check in after dinner that night.
One of the best trips I have made, thank you Exodus.

A fantastic trip

A great tour. It covers so many places and sites; we felt we’d seen as much of the country as we possibly could in the time.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

1. The desert trip to Wadi Rum was simply wonderful. Loved travelling in the jeeps. 2. walking down the Siq to the Treasury at Petra. 3. Having lunch overlooking the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee. 4. snorkelling at Aqaba. 5. the Mosaic at Madaba!!!!
Is that too many? There are more! 😊

What did you think of your group leader?

Eddy is SIMPLY THE BEST.
He is so knowledgeable about everywhere we went. He gave us so much information. He doesn’t overburden you though. He has a great sense of humour. You feel also that he is vigilant of every person’s needs at different times and is taking care of you.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don’t take too much luggage! Don’t forget your torch for the desert (I used my phone) Be prepared for primitive sleeping conditions in the desert (though you do have a bed!) Don’t complain or moan; no one on our trip moaned about anything - it would be awful to have a moaner on board!
(If you drink alcohol Take a couple of bottles of Gin with you - especially if it’s Ramadan - you can get the Tonic ; but alcohol was in very short supply throughout ! )

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I read on another review that a group of 16 felt cramped on a small bus. I can understand that, as there is quite a lot of travelling . BUT we had a good sized bus that enabled us to spread out and have a whole seat to ourselves.
We faced too much food! It may have been because it was Ramadan that there were large buffets each night preceded by a range of mezze, that were sufficient in themselves.
Also we had a lovely young armed policeman with us on the bus throughout. It surprised us and I’m not sure how necessary it was. But he thanked us for coming!

A safe country with a lot of history and a great guide

Well organised by Exodus and our local guide "Eddie". Full and active days with no wasted time; be prepared for early starts to get to sites before other groups. We had decent hotels with hot water in all locations, except of course the desert camp. We covered the whole of the western side of Jordan and the desert loop around Amman. The east is mainly just sand. We travelled to the Golan Heights then via the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba visiting a sequence of forts on the way.
Lunch and Dinner venues were a mix of quick snacks and full meals, including My Mom's Recipe Restaurant in Petra.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The obvious "most inspirational moment" would have to be Petra and the way our guide first revealed it to us, but there was also a recurring issue throughout the trip of how long the history of this whole region is and how different civilizations have come through and built on or developed the cities of their predecessors.
We spent 3 nights and 2 full days in Petra - any less would have meant missing key parts.
Our hotel was only a very short walk from the Petra Visitors' Centre.
Jordan clearly forms a peaceful oasis in the middle of a very troubled region; we never felt at risk or in danger.

What did you think of your group leader?

Probably the best tour guide I have had. Knowledgeable with the practice of knowing how much information to impart before we suffered information overload. Eddie had a good sense of humour and his running funny stories about Asus added a balance to the historical facts.
Eddie also made himself available at all times should anyone need him and although there was no doubt that he kept a close eye on the group to make sure he had not 'lost' anyone we did not feel we were being controlled or herded as a school group might be.
I must emphasise how good his English was, it made the trip so much more relaxed than it would have been otherwise.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't bother doing Petra by Night. It is a good concept and may have had good nights in the past but the night we were there it was a clear case of over selling of tickets and people being pushed into the front, with nothing to sit on, blocking those of us who were seated in what should have been the front.
Beer is expensive - 500ml costs £9 in a bar and £3 in a Liquor Store. Best to go to the store and buy a few cans to take back to a room, don't forget your duty free on the way out.
The night before the desert camp, and before the beach at Aqaba, make sure that you have packed a separate small bag with the essentials as it makes life a lot easier.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We were a group of 16, all experienced travellers, and no one was ever late for the bus, but I would not want to see a group any larger than that.
My only negative for this trip was that the bus was uncomfortably full with no spare seats and insufficient space for luggage. Four seats were badly compromised by the wheel arches. Using a bigger bus may have presented difficulties in traffic and parking so I think the number on this trip should be restricted to no more than 14, ideally 12.
Rather than distribute/sell small plastic bottles of water Exodus used two 20 litre bottles of filtered water to top up our personal bottles, this worked well, no one had problems with drinking the water - take a decent refillable water bottle.
Exodus booked a day extra at each end of the tour for me, which also included airport transfers. This worked well because the normal tour sees an arrival at or after midnight, a transfer to the hotel, a few hours sleep, breakfast and away. My extra day before I used to take a leisurely walk in Amman, following the Lonely Planet walk, seeing some of the sites that are only covered fairly quickly on the last day of the tour and some that are not covered such as the Souks. The day after the tour I just had a relaxing day instead of having to have an evening dinner then off to the airport at 04:00 AM.

Jordan - Thoroughly Recommended!

A great experience, you get to see so much, from crusader castles to the Dead Sea and the delights of Wadi Rum.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Well this comes down to two:
- Petra, just amazing, nobody told me it was such a massive site. You will need a couple of days at least to fully explore.
- Wadi Rum and staying over in the Bedouin camp, once again an unmissable experience. Just don't bother with the camel ride, that's just slow and boring.

What did you think of your group leader?

Eddie was just great, plenty of personality and did a good job of sheparding the group around. He did spout forth a lot history and I know sometimes his facts weren't 100% accurate but hey I wouldn't have it any other way.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Yep the hardest part is the lack of alcohol, it's not illegal they just do not serve it in the eateries. So beware and brace yourself for an almost dry trip.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Another great quality of Jordan is the people they are genuinely warm and friendly, which always helps.

Jordan Adventure

This trip provided us with a wide range of activities and cultural visits across the Kingdom of Jordan.
An ever-changing landscape is studded with Castles and world famous sights.
From Neolithic artefacts to T.E.Lawrence, we felt we had uncovered some of the long history of the people of Jordan.
We received a very warm welcome wherever we went; the children and teenagers were keen to try out their English lessons with us. Food was excellent (and plentiful) on each occasion, with a range of choices for vegetarians, and our hotels were very good.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Attempting to float in the Dead Sea; mud bath to go with it!
Reaching the top of the mountain near El Deir / The Monastery, at Petra.
Sunset in Wadi Rum.
Snorkelling over the coral in the Red Sea......

What did you think of your group leader?

Eyad / Eddie Banna was an excellent group leader; friendly and efficient, with good use of English.
He was very well-informed about the historical / cultural /religious significance of each city / site of interest, and he prepared us in advance for what we were about to see and do.
Eyad also retained his sense of humour when we became ensnarled in traffic, and kept us entertained with anecdotes en route.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Remember to wear your sun hat, sun glasses and sun block!
As a female traveller I went with a bag of modest wear (long sleeved shirts, scarves etc)
but found the dress code did not appear as strict as I had expected.
Walking trousers, knee-length skirts / dresses and shirts with short sleeves are fine.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We left Jordan fully satisfied that we had "Seen it All"
What an amazing experience!

Dates & Prices

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An overview of flight options

Exodus is committed to making joining our tours as easy as possible, wherever you live. We generally only block book seats from London, but this certainly does not mean that you need to fly from there. Depending on the route and airlines available, there will usually be various options available for those who want to fly from their local airport.

This page aims to provide a useful overview of the options available to our clients. However, the best flight arrangements should be tailored to your personal requirements, so please contact our Sales team for expert advice.

What kind of options do I have ?

1. We can book for you: Flights from anywhere in the world - not via London

Depending on the route, this may be direct or via an overseas hub like Amsterdam, the Middle East or elsewhere. On short haul routes there may be direct flights with low cost airlines, charter flights or scheduled airlines. Exodus can book most, but not all, of these for you. The most appropriate airline may be different to that which we use for the group flight from London, but many people now travel on different airlines and meet up with their fellow passengers at the destination.

Pros

Cons

May be the most direct route

Often the extra fare compared to the London flight is minimal.

As you will be in the hands a single airline for your entire journey, the airline will be responsible for your bags and your connections.

You may not be able to join the group transfers. However, we can usually arrange private transfers, or book your flights to try and coincide with the group transfers. See notes on transfer arrangements below.

2. We can book for you: Connecting flights from your local airport to London

Exodus can book connecting flights to London so you can join the group flight there. Connecting times will be followed according to airline advice, or as requested by clients. There are two types of fares we can use for this option: a 'through-fare' or a 'published fare'.

a) A 'through-fare' is where you will be in the main airline's care throughout. You change planes, but your bags are checked all the way through to your final destination.

b) A 'published fare' ticket is completely seperate from your onward ticket from London. It is usually cheaper than a through-fare but will need to be paid for and issued as soon as it is booked. This can be a problem if your tour has not yet reached minimum numbers. On 'published fares' neither airline is aware that you have connecting flights, so Exodus is responsible for timing your connection, not the airlines involved. The tickets are also usually non changeable and non refundable.

Pros

Cons

Depending on the fare type, Exodus or the airline is responsible for flight connections.

Through fare tickets can be expensive.

On a published fare, tickets must be issued immediately; tickets on published fares can be very difficult to change if onward flight times change; bags are not checked though to your final destination.

Published fares are non-refundable.

3. Booking some or all of the flights yourself

You can also book connecting air travel yourself, either to London, or all the way to the start point. There may be certain airlines or routes we don't have access to, so this is always an option. However, if you make your own travel arrangements you become liable for any delays, cancellations or missed connections, and Exodus is not required to offer refunds if you have trouble reaching the start of your trip.

Pros

Cons

You might find cheaper fares, or routes not available to Exodus.

You are responsible for any delays or missed connections, and the cost of the tour is not protected should you miss your flight be cancelled.

Notes on transfer arrangements

Sometimes it is possible to travel on a different airline to the group flight from London. Where this is the case, we need to think about ensuring you meet up with the group with minimum extra cost and hassle.

On certain trips, it is easy to arrive on a different flight and still meet the group at the hotel with time in hand. We can usually arrange private transfers (at extra cost) or offer advice on taking a taxi to the start hotel.

On other trips (especially in Europe), the transfer meets the group flight and then travels some distance to the first night's accommodation. Where this is the case, our Sales team will try to arrange flights that arrive before (and depart after) the group. However, we do have to make it clear in your final documentation that if your flights are delayed, the transfer cannot wait for you. While Exodus or our local operators will do what we can to help you reach the start point of the tour, any additional costs must be paid by the client.

Next steps?

Not found the date you’re looking for? We can organise this itinerary as aPrivate Adventure– just click on the tab above the list of dates and prices, let us know your preferred dates of travel and how many people are travelling, and we’ll do the rest!